India’s ‘Ayurveda Day’ highlights medicinal plants, Nature’s healing power
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Guntur – Andhra Pradesh: Human health is inseparably linked to nature, and the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is vital for sustaining indigenous medicine, said Avula Chandrasekhar, CEO of the Andhra Pradesh State Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Board, at a state-level Ayurveda Day conference on Sunday.
Ayurveda and human life
Speaking as chief guest at the conference held at Arya Samaj Conference Hall, Chandrasekhar said indigenous medicine affirms that the human lifespan can extend up to 125 years. He emphasized that plants form the basis for every cure to human illness.
Government priorities in medicinal plants
Chandrasekhar highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given priority to cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants as per AYUSH guidelines. He said the state government is working to preserve endangered species and expand their use to meet public needs.
Scientific recognition for Ayurveda
The CEO added that efforts are underway to bring Ayurveda onto par with allopathy by ensuring scientific validation. He announced plans to introduce diploma, degree, and postgraduate courses on medicinal plants at universities.
Role of forest department
District Forest Officer Hima Sailaja said nurseries of medicinal and aromatic plants will be set up across the state on a large scale to strengthen conservation and availability.
Indigenous Medical Association legacy
Presiding over the event, State President Dr. Shetty Veera Venkata Satyanarayana recalled that the Andhra Pradesh Indigenous Medical Association was founded 53 years ago by Vaidya Bhushana Dr. Pillaramarri Venkataramaiah. He said district-level associations continue to provide Ayurveda, Unani, and natural medicine with scientific standards.
Awareness and participation
The event featured the unveiling of wall magazines on home medicine, an awareness exhibition on indigenous medical sciences, and sapling plantations at Naidu High School. Ayurvedic, Unani, and Prakrit doctors from all districts attended, sharing insights and experiences.
Honorary president Dr. A Gowris Babu, Deputy Executive Officer K Pradeep Kumar, Association General Secretary Dr. Namala Srinivasa Rao, and other dignitaries took part in the program.
